Safety

All the robotaxi companies claim that their safety is much better than obsolete human drivers. But are they really safer given that they seem to crash so often? This clearly needs to be investigated further.

TechCrunch – Tesla Autopilot investigation closed after feds find 13 fatal crashes related to misuse

Editors note: this article is useful because it provides more details on the NHTSA findings. In particular, the NHTSA stated evidence that “Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities.” See full original article by Sean O’Kane of TechCrunch The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…

Read MoreTechCrunch – Tesla Autopilot investigation closed after feds find 13 fatal crashes related to misuse

SF Chronicle – A Waymo robotaxi drove on wrong side of a S.F. street. The company says it was to ensure ‘safety’

SF Chronicle article on how Waymo drove across double yellow line into oncoming traffic for two full blocks. And Waymo describes the motivation as 'safety'? Hah! Full video of incident is included for your viewing enjoyment.
Read MoreSF Chronicle – A Waymo robotaxi drove on wrong side of a S.F. street. The company says it was to ensure ‘safety’
NYC

The Verge – New York City welcomes robotaxis — but only with safety drivers

Article from The Verge on how NYC will be allowing robotaxis, but only with human drivers. Importantly, to get a permit operators will need to first report "disengagements" from service in another city. This is critical information that the robotaxi operators have so far refused to hand over.
Read MoreThe Verge – New York City welcomes robotaxis — but only with safety drivers

SF Chronicle – Driverless robotaxis are causing less mayhem on S.F. streets. City officials explain why

Robotaxi disruptions for emergency responders have fallen significantly for the last 6 months. This is due to Cruise suspending operations, and because Waymo is now more careful to avoid geolocated incidences. Also, Waymo now gives emergency responders ability to manually move a vehicle.
Read MoreSF Chronicle – Driverless robotaxis are causing less mayhem on S.F. streets. City officials explain why
Bloomberg

Bloomberg – Inside California’s Coming Fight Over Vehicle Speed Limiters

A discussion between David Zipper and California State Senator Scott Wiener on new legislation to mandate speed regulators on new vehicles. Explains the details on why mandating this simple and already existing technology would greatly improve safety on our roads. Also covers rebuttals to common arguments used against making this safety improvement.
Read MoreBloomberg – Inside California’s Coming Fight Over Vehicle Speed Limiters